Richt should phone VanGorder, but don’t expect a yes (UPDATED)
It just doesn't make sense for Brian VanGorder to leave Mike Smith and the Falcons and go back to Georgia as a coordinator. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(UPDATE: See below with comments from VanGorder.)
Georgia wants to get back to playing defense the way it played when Brian VanGorder was the defensive coordinator. So it only makes sense that Mark Richt’s first phone call should be to Brian VanGorder. No other hire would do more to invigorate the program and excite the fanbase.
OK. Pipe dream over. I just don’t think it’s going to happen. Here’s a few reasons why:
♦ 1.) VanGorder realizes he has had a strange career evolution: From Georgia to the Jacksonville Jaguars (linebackers coach for one year), to Georgia Southern (head coach for one year), to the Falcons as linebackers coach (one year), to South Carolina as defensive coordinator (for five weeks), then back to the Falcons (actually he never left) when new head coach Mike Smith convinced him to stay as defensive coordinator. Guys get tagged when they move around a lot, unless it’s for an obvious step up the ladder. It makes no sense career-wise for VanGorder to return to Athens because then he’s just back to where he started in 2004.
♦ 2.) VanGorder wanted to be a head coach. That’s why he took the Georgia Southern job. It was a disaster, although the extent to which that was his fault is unknown. (Clearly there are other issues at GSU because the school just fired VanGorder’s replacement, Chris Hatcher.) Some coordinators decide they like the relative comfort of being behind the scenes and not holding daily news conferences with the media. I’m not sure VanGorder is at that point. My guess is he still wants to be a head coach. So the only way it makes sense for him to go back to Georgia is if he is named head-coach-in-waiting for Richt. But that is so not happening. The whole coach-in-waiting concept generally doesn’t work, and I certainly don’t see athletic director Damon Evans signing off on that. When the Dogs’ head coaching job opens up, Evans will want to make the call on the hire. Besides, has Richt told anybody he’s leaving or retiring?
♦ 3.) Money. Yes, Georgia has a lot. But they’re not going to pay VanGorder anywhere close to what Richt makes ($2.8 million), and there’s really nothing they would or could offer VanGorder that the Falcons would not or could no’t match (assuming they wanted to keep him, and there’s no indication they don’t).
Yes, VanGorder loved coaching at Georgia.
Yes, it would be a great move for the Bulldogs.
Yes, Richt needs to make the call to ask.
But I don’t see VanGorder saying yes.
(UPDATE: He officially has said no. VanGorder told our D. Orlando Ledbetter he is going to remain with the Falcons. Here’s the link.)
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402 comments Add your comment
Kim Z's Package
December 3rd, 2009
10:06 am
Smart and VG ain’t comming
Kim Z's Package
December 3rd, 2009
10:07 am
I have never been first on the Blog just first on my Knees.
Doc Holliday
December 3rd, 2009
10:09 am
Call Dick Bumpas now.
Charlotte Dawg
December 3rd, 2009
10:10 am
4th
Nate
December 3rd, 2009
10:13 am
I don’t even know that he should make the call. My gut tells me these reunion tours are often disasters. Let’s just go out and get some new blood in here.
Kim Z, I slightly agree with you on Smart, but don’t underestimate the call of an Alma Mater…stupider decisions have been made to the tune of “Returning Home”.
Pete Orr
December 3rd, 2009
10:13 am
Only if Thomas Decoud and Brent Grimes come with him.
Football Ken
December 3rd, 2009
10:14 am
Jeff,
No need to bother BVG. He is set with the Falcons, plus I’ve read their were some legal issues concerning his departurefrom UGA. D. Bumpis, M. Stoops or Dick Jauron are good names, Smart aint comin unless he gets PAID! Muschamp is the next coach at Texas, so no. I would love to see CMR grab a young NFL assistant or a FCS or D-2 defensive guru who would live and die for the chance to coach the Red & Black. Go Dawgs, and remember DEFENSE wins championships!!
The Dogfighter Returns
December 3rd, 2009
10:14 am
yawn!!!!!!!!!!!!
who cares? Mark richt is the problem. the puppies have been overrated ever since jim donnan’s players graduated.
Jeff Schultz
December 3rd, 2009
10:17 am
Kim Z’s Package — Congrats on being first. This is like your Bar Mitzvah.
catfish31015
December 3rd, 2009
10:17 am
Send Richt to Georgia Southern, the Eagles need a winner BAD…
Nate
December 3rd, 2009
10:18 am
Dick Bumpas really?
Why is everyone so set on this guy being the answer?
The dude’s been coaching since ‘77 and has never been a DC at a school bigger than TCU…which ain’t saying much. He’s had a couple of good seasons at good yet irrelevant program.
Am I the only guy who would choose a DC that we know less about that one we know all about and its just a little above average?
Van Gorder's an Opportunist
December 3rd, 2009
10:19 am
Forget BVG. He has ZERO loyalty. He’ll jump jobs for a $1 more. He doesn’t know who he is, he can’t distinguish good from bad & that’s why he can’t say no to anyone, every opportunity looks good to him. You have to wonder about a guy that would move that many times in so few years–how does that impact his family? friends? community? No. Even if you get him, he’s gone in a year. Who needs that? He’s competent skill wise but not a good fit for Richt chemistry wise.
Jeff Schultz
December 3rd, 2009
10:19 am
Doc Holliday — Bumpus has done a great job but what’s his motivation for leaving TCU?
bdawg
December 3rd, 2009
10:20 am
We need to become a mean nasty defense. Can we hire Rex Ryan? lol. Seriously, i would love to see smart come home. It would be cool to have muschamp but that aint happening either. Its going to be tough to land a big name
The ORANGE BOWL deserves an 11-2 team
December 3rd, 2009
10:20 am
With the 7-5 program declining,
Bobo needs to pack up and leave also,
Red Clay Hound
December 3rd, 2009
10:23 am
Who knew (BV) before he was introduced at Georgia? Is it absolutely necessary to hire a name ? There has got to be another (BV) at a mid-level school with the same fire and drive to make it at a school in a major conference. Are we passed that point ? Do our egos have to have a brand name in order to satisfy our willingness to support this team again.
our
F-105 Thunderchief
December 3rd, 2009
10:23 am
There is indeed a greater problem at GSU, it’s called Sam Baker, the idiot AD who hired Van Gorder, who destroyed the program and bailed. Hatcher seemed a sure thing with his resume of success. So, that leaves Baker as the problem that needs to be flushed.
Back to UGA, I don’t think Kirby Smart is a pipe dream. He might make that move. Richt is a better boss than Saban. Bama has had two great regular seasons, but they did lose to Florida and Utah. They haven’t won jack under Saban yet.
Nate
December 3rd, 2009
10:24 am
I would like to hire someone who has great untapped potential and just see where it leads. Someone young who can excite the players and knows football. I know its random but how bout a guy like former pro-bowler Mark Carrier who has coached the secondary for the Baltimore Ravens for the last couple of years?
I know he has no ties here, but it could be the right step for him to turn our D around and then launch himself back to the NFL as a coordinator. Even if he only came here for a couple of years to right the ship, I would like it. Or someone else like him.
Preferably, I would love to get a UGA guy in here. We seem to have none, other than B Mac on the staff. Other than Muschamp and Smart, does anyone know of any other dawgs coaching out there?
Andy
December 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
While I think BVG would be an upgrade over WM, there were still some problems under BVG when he coached at UGA, most notably penalties. I would like to see us get someone more like Alabama’s DC, who seems to be able to put a great defense on the field that doesn’t get penalized a lot.
The Wishbone WILL work ....Won't it??
December 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
BVG was Richt’s pick when he first came to UGA. Why not go out and pick another BVG and life at UGA in the upper level of football schools will continue. This is not rocket science.
Richt however, MUST MAKE a quality choice or this time next year if at 7-5 or 6-6 or even 8-4 will not be pretty. 8-4 might allow him to remain at the helm, IF we showed promise in 2010. This is very dicey.
Also, has anyone looked at what UGA will have to trot out on the field on the D line next year? We are in T for sure, as we have NOT RECRUITED D line players. THAT is key to all of this coaching talk and any great ( or soon to be great ) D co ordinators will ask “um, ah, what kind of line talent do you have returning Mark?” We do not have any decent linemen and we with injuries, etc grades, etc will be in deep, deep trouble next season. Look at the depth chart or incoming players. T for sure.
UGA class of 71 & 73
Nate
December 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
I completely agree Red Clay.
Brad in Jasper
December 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
Nate, I agree with you, but remember if we do hire someone like that, that’s exactly where BVG came from. The way I remember it, Richt picked him based on BVG’s schemes against him at FSU.
It would be nice to have someone that is a true DC and comfortable in that role for awhile. A Bud Foster, Ellis Johnson type. I’m sure Evans and Richt will do well. Beyond that, it’s all how it works on the field.
now tha't funny
December 3rd, 2009
10:26 am
Why do you guys want Muschamp? Is the Texas defense good? They get smoked when they play a good offense. What’s up with the defensive cor from the Cincy Bearcats?
Nick Saban
December 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
You guys should hire Travis Jones. I love having him on my staff, he is doing a great job at New Orleans with their D-line and he is a UGA guy. Just makes sense.
1911A1
December 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
Van Gorder has the chance to get something that Georgia can never get him: a Super Bowl ring.
PMC
December 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
Yeah but speculation is fun isn’t it?
Come on man it’s pie in the sky day. The braves are getting Adrian Gonzalez to play first and Carl Crawford to play Left.
F-105 Thunderchief
December 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
“Doc Holliday — Bumpus has done a great job but what’s his motivation for leaving TCU?”
Oh, I don’t know SEC? UGA’s historically stronger program? Money? What would be his motivation for staying is the better question.
Another Dawg
December 3rd, 2009
10:27 am
Good work on doing absolutely zero investigation into the matter and publishing pure speculation, Schultz. Other than Van Gorder’s resume, there wasn’t a single fact in this entire post. Quality journalism.
PMC
December 3rd, 2009
10:28 am
Muschamps defenses at Texas….. not special. They gave up how many to Texas A&M?
Nick Saban
December 3rd, 2009
10:29 am
TRAVIS JONES PEOPLE
PMC
December 3rd, 2009
10:29 am
and there’s no way Muschamp is leaving anyway when he’s going to eventually get one of the top 3 coaching jobs in the country.
BULLDOG MOM
December 3rd, 2009
10:30 am
MARK RICHT IS THE BEST COACH IN THE LAND. HE WILL MAKE THE RIGHT HIRE FOR A DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND ALL WILL BE WELL. I KNOW THIS WAS A HARD SITUATION FOR MARK RICHT, BUT HE SHOWED HE WILL DO WHAT IS BEST FOR GEORGIA. HE IS ON TO FINISHING ANOTHER EXCEPTIONAL YEAR OF RECRUITING AND I KNOW GEORGIA WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 5. WE CAN ALL RELAX AND ENJOY THE RIDE. GO DOGS
AtlDawgfan
December 3rd, 2009
10:33 am
What ever happened to Sly Croom? His defences at Miss St were always pretty stout.
dawg84
December 3rd, 2009
10:34 am
Bulldog mom, we can’t relax with the all caps attack going on! lol.
Nate
December 3rd, 2009
10:36 am
Andy, I hate to break it to you but just calling like I see it…Alabama not having many penalties has more to do with the SEC headquarters being in Birmingham than Smart being a disciplined coach(although I hope he is that also.)
The only team that will get better calls will be Florida on Saturday…you watch.
Nate
December 3rd, 2009
10:37 am
hahaha
Hit Me In The Face, PJ and See What Happens!
December 3rd, 2009
10:38 am
There was some talk between CMR and the AD as to Richt’s future with the program. According to an unnamed, VERY reliable source, CMR was mulling over the idea of leaving CFB altogether and becoming a full-time missionary. I know some will not believe this, which is fine, but if this is true, which I 100% believe it is, a Head Coach in Waiting Position could very well be on the table for someone like Smart.
Jeff, have you heard this rumor as well?
mike on lake hartwell
December 3rd, 2009
10:39 am
jeff, r u kidding me. vangorder is an upward mover.
he already left us once for bigger fish.
think u r way off on this one.
now i’ll read the article and maybe u can sway me.
ViningsDAWG
December 3rd, 2009
10:42 am
UGA offense used to smoke Muschamp’s defenses while he was at LSU and Auburn (2004, 2006,2007). Tyrone Nix is the man!
GeoffDawg
December 3rd, 2009
10:43 am
Somebody on the radio mentioned Ron Zook’s name yesterday. Aside from throwing up in my mouth a little at the thought of a former UF head coach going to Athens, is he really that close to being blown out at Illinois?
dwf
December 3rd, 2009
10:43 am
Can we please get a little more creative with our blogs here Jeff?
C’mon man, the BVG stuff is so cheap and easy. No way on earth CMR puts in a call to BVG. As you so astutely pointed out, he isn’t coming back. Why would CMR want to bring in someone that would bring no stability to the position. This isn’t going to be a quick fix hire.
And why would Bumpus leave TCU? I really hope you were being sarcastic there. Let’s see…money, a more prestigious job, a chance to move to a head job quicker, better quality of life in Athens…the list could go on and on.
johnny heisman
December 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
HIRE VAN GORDER!! YES. 27th ranked Defense in the NFL, just behind the Bucs. HIRE HIM!!!
Couple questions for the Dawgs..
Q.Who was the last UGA DC to get a head coaching job?
A.Not only is UGA a 5 star graveyard, it is a coordinators graveyard as well
Q.What history shows that even with hiring a DC, UGA will win something on the National scale, as their fan base seems to think they have done in the past 30 years?
A.There is no history. They have had top ten recruiting classes since 2000 and have NEVER accomplished anything on the National level, as their fan base seems to think they have. They did beat Hawaii once though. And they are pretty excited about this Tech win…Hawaii and Tech…two biggest wins in the past 5 years.
Rick
December 3rd, 2009
10:45 am
CBVG would be a fool to return to UGA without being the Head man. The Falcon job is kinda tough right now but if he hangs around I think the future will be very bright for he and the Falcons. I like the Falcon’s management from the top down; especially Coach Smith. Mr. Blank is a fine man too.
I can’t say the same for UGA. With Bobo, Lilly and that offensive crew at UGA, the head coaching job may become available over the next 2-3 years anyway. CBVG just needs to wait it out if he has interest at UGA.
To me, the biggest problem at UGA has been the offense.. As an example, at GTU the struggles obviously has been on the D side of the ball. Georgia’s Defense has obviously not been great either but cleaning out only the Defensive staff doesn’t really help that much.
I just can’t see a top notch D coordinator coming to UGA right now. I wouldn’t want to bail out that offense each week as CBVG had too.
Folks, ask this question.. Why did CBVG really leave?… Coach NFL? College HC?.. Maybe.. I don’t think that he liked CMR’s methods and the Ath Dept in Athens.. Why did Kirby leave? Why did Garner and Searles look elsewhere? Why did a very good TE coach, Johnson, leave? The coaches that have stayed were potentially not the best of the group.
The coaching problems in Athens are, for the most part, the product of one man… CMR. Until he leaves or changes his methods (Neither will materially happen), you will see little improvement. I am sorry to say that. I have watch too many CMR coached UGA to think different. The 2002 loss to UF during that one loss season was the hardest to take. That was a NC team. The loss to WVU in the Atlanta Sugar Bowl was bad as well. Getting spanked like a child by UT and Alabama over the past 3 seasons has been almost as bad.
CBVG has a good job.
Anyway, Jeff is very insightful and dead on the money as usual.
GT Joe
December 3rd, 2009
10:48 am
dwf: more prestigious job? In Athens? Dude, this isn’t the early 1980s, or the early 2000s. UGA is an also-ran in the SEC now. On the same level as Arkansas or South Carolina.
TCU has a legit run at the national championship NEXT YEAR. Only needs a Nebraska upset to make the title THIS YEAR. UGA will be stuck with Logan Gay or whoever the F next year and for years to come.
Get over it doggies, UGA isn’t what it used to be. You can tell that when the TECH coach is downplaying the game, BEFORE the game.
RD
December 3rd, 2009
10:48 am
Hey F-105 Thunderchief get a clue. What do you mean Bama hasn’t won anything? It takes the bulldogs two years to equal the wins Bama gets in one. Watch the SEC championship and dream of UGA being there, it’s as close as you’re going to get for a long time. You need to concentrate on beating powerhouses like Kentucky.
GeoffDawg
December 3rd, 2009
10:49 am
johnny heisman – that would be Van Gorder. It’s been mentioned in this blog several times now.
dawgvino
December 3rd, 2009
10:49 am
As fun as this choice would be, I cannot see BVG coming back to UGA. Lets get someone who is tough and can make our defense mean without penalties. If CMR feels called to be a missionary, then so be it. But I think his position now is certainly reaching millions of people and young impressionable men as he walks the walk. I am excited about the possibilities we are going to see with a new DC. Go Dawgs and I don’t want to go to Shreveport.
mike on lake hartwell
December 3rd, 2009
10:50 am
ok jeff, u didnt go insane. but why even post the article?
kirby smart. coach-in-waiting.
johnny heisman
December 3rd, 2009
10:50 am
Two biggest wins for UGA in the past 5 years.
Hawaii and Georgia Tech.
That says a lot about football at UGA and who the “real” best program in the state is.
Where is St Simons?
December 3rd, 2009
10:50 am
So refreshing not having st simons around for another 8 years.
30-24